Biden’s comments at last month’s D-Day commemoration and to NATO leaders have emphasised protecting democracy rather than promoting it. Democracy promotion has been embedded in US diplomacy and economic assistance programme since the Clinton administration but the latest Freedom House report shows democracy declining across the world for the 18th consecutive year.
If Democrats keep the White House, Washington, London and Ottawa will forge an informal alliance to strengthen democracy internationally.
Informal councils of democratic nations will continue but emphasise cooperation among themselves in areas such as trade and cybersecurity.
Solidarity on democracy will exist primarily among Western nations, with others such as India prioritising economic and security objectives.
The current political divide in the United States could dent Washington’s credibility as a champion of democracy abroad.
